Lower East Side at Columbia St. -- safe or sorry?? (Gouverneur: apartment, renting)

[mermaid_nyc]

Hey there,

I might be living at the Columbia St./Delancey St. intersection and want to know how safe the area is, and what to expect. When asking people, they've generally told me that if I want to be safe in that area, I shouldn't talk to strangers, stand on a dark street corners counting your money, and other obvious things that everyone should always do in a city. I've also heard that it looks a lot rougher than it really is, and that walking there at night isn't a big deal (even for me, as a young woman).

I live in a city, *not* a high end neighbourhood, and so am not totally ignorant. But since I won't be seeing my apartment before I move there (in September) I'm a bit worried about what to expect (I'm coming to work temporarily, and the person I'm renting with is really nice, we've talked a lot -- just the intersection I'm considered about).

I read that Columbia Street is primarily filled with government housing buildings, which I wouldn't normally have a problem with... just that the whole move plus + my general anxieties about life + the fact that Lower East Side isn't the typically safest area is enough to get my hopes up.

I'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts on the location, if you've hung out or lived there, etc. Any information that isn't general -- "it's good as long as you don't do anything stupid" -- would be appreciated. I'd like to get a good feel for the area. I know it's close to East Village, and other bustling places, but I have a feeling this intersection is deserted, possibly creepy... that I always have to watch my back.

Thanks very much.

[ShayLove]

Columbia & Delancey... hummm. Its been years since I have actually hung out over that way. Pitt pool is over there. That was the hang out spot years ago when it first opened/remade. (now its just ghetto) I know Lazarus Towers is right there, and Jacob Riis houses. Really its a heavy traffic neighborhood. Pretty good walk from the subway at Delancey St. The busses stop there. A few busses, its actually the last/first stop. As far as safe.... When I was younger, my granny's rules was I can't go pass the bridge (Williamsburg) So I wasn't allowed to hang that far over at night. I really can't say for now... I'll check back after a few replies. (Maybe something might pop into my head)
PS: It also depends on where your coming from... there are wayyyy worst areas than here!

[tpk-nyc]

I've been down there a lot to go to The Abrons Arts Center on Grand Street (Henry Street Settlement: Abrons Arts Center). I've never had a problem. A lot of the buildings that look like projects aren't actual projects, they're just ugly buildings. They were built as co-ops that had strict rules about resale, however I think they're all market rate nowadays. I actually looked into buying one a few years ago and have a friend who owns one.

[ShayLove]

Originally Posted by tpk-nyc

I've been down there a lot to go to The Abrons Arts Center on Grand Street (Henry Street Settlement: Abrons Arts Center). I've never had a problem. A lot of the buildings that look like projects aren't actual projects, they're just ugly buildings. They were built as co-ops that had strict rules about resale, however I think they're all market rate nowadays. I actually looked into buying one a few years ago and have a friend who owns one.

But again this is before you cross the bridge on Grand Street side....
That is where Gouverneur Gardens and the Coops are located. (The ugly brown buildings) He is talking about Columbia... which is after Delancey opposite side of the bridge..
Like I mentioned before, once you cross Delancey.. all the niceness seems to run thin... (Not that thin, but its a difference)

[naicha]

Originally Posted by mermaid_nyc

Hey there,

I might be living at the Columbia St./Delancey St. intersection and want to know how safe the area is, and what to expect.

Generally I am more comfortable with being near PJ's in manhattan than say brooklyn, but it's just because of I am familiar with the area, honestly.

I have a co-worker who lives on Pitt st, but a block away, and she never had a problem with it, other than it being 'kinda dirty'. If you are into the Bar scene, you may enjoy it too.
: p

[Elvira Black]

I lived on the LES for many years, and it has become pretty gentrified. There are a lot of restaurants, bars, boutiques, etc there. A big influx of Chinese businesses etc also so "Chinatown" is very close. North of Delancey you kind of hit the beginning of the "East Village" which is also gentrified (esp for younger folks). If you're a young person looking for nightlife, there are loads of options in the area and within short walking distance (Ludlow Street etc etc).

The immediate block may be near some projects. There's the city housing projects and then the Seward Park coops, which went private many years ago and are now market rate. I never had a prob around there, but didn't live on that particular stretch but very nearby.There's still old tenaments and such, but as I say the hood has become very similar in feel to the East Village and other "hip" areas.